This bill amends Florida's emergency management laws, specifically section 252.36, to establish new limitations on the duration of a state of emergency declared by the Governor. Under the new provisions, a state of emergency renewed by the Governor will expire after one year unless the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote, authorizes an extension. If such an extension is granted, the Legislature must set a termination date that cannot exceed the end of the next regular session. Additionally, the bill requires the Governor to issue an executive order or proclamation to terminate a state of emergency immediately upon the Legislature's concurrent resolution, and prohibits the Governor from declaring a substantially similar state of emergency if the Legislature allows the current one to expire.

The bill also modifies section 252.3611, requiring the Auditor General to update financial and compliance audits related to emergency expenditures and contracts quarterly instead of annually, once an emergency exceeds one year. This change aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of emergency funds. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 700 Filed: 252.3611